Yankees Land Mets Reliever

The New York Yankees have picked up a reliever from their crosstown rivals.

Feb 20, 2025; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Rico Garcia (50) poses for a photo during picture day at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The New York Yankees are taking their chances on a reliever who was recently designated for assignment by their crosstown rivals.

According to MLB.com's Anthony DiComo, the Yankees have claimed right-handed pitcher Rico Garcia off waivers from the New York Mets.

The Yankees have claimed reliever Rico Garcia off waivers from the Mets, according to a source. The Mets DFA'd him last week.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) July 14, 2025

The Yankees are in the market for bullpen help ahead of the July 31 trade deadline, and they'll give Garcia a fair chance before aggressively pursuing other options.

The 31-year-old signed a minor league contract with the Mets in November and began the season with their Triple-A affiliate in Syracuse. After posting a 4.45 ERA over 24 appearances there, the club recalled him on July 3.

Across two games and 4 2/3 innings, Garcia did now allow a run for the Mets while striking out three batters.

He'll now be added to the Yankees' 40- and 26-man rosters since he has no minor league options remaining, meaning the team will have to announce a corresponding move.

Garcia was a Colorado Rockies 30th-round pick out of Hawaii Pacific University in 2016. Over 32 total appearances in the majors, he has logged a 6.47 ERA with 24 strikeouts in 40 1/3 innings.

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